Lead writer Nick St. Denis and AFC East Daily contributors Dan Begnoche, Sean Donovan and Sam Hollingsworth pick the New York Jets' matchup with the visiting San Francisco 49ers.
Nick's take:
The Jets haven't been very good at covering tight ends over the last few years, and they haven't been able to stop the run this season. So the 49ers' offensive attack, led by Vernon Davis and Frank Gore, isn't a very good matchup for Gang Green. San Francisco also has a revamped receiving corps that should take advantage of the absence of Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis. The fact that New York's lukewarm offense will be up against arguably the best defense in the league doesn't help, either.
Prediction: 49ers 26, Jets 20
Sean's take:
The Jets' offense may have caught the Bills off guard and outlasted the Dolphins in recent weeks, but the 49ers' defense is an entirely different animal. The speed and versatility of San Francisco's front seven will suffocate New York's marginal skill players, and confound the ever-erratic Mark Sanchez as well. Alex Smith and the steady 49ers' offense will be able to take advantage of short fields and the absence of Revis en route to a lop-sided road victory.
Prediction: 49ers 30, Jets 3
Dan's take:
The Jets' win against Miami last week was anything but pretty, and their offense will certainly be tested against San Francisco’s stingy defense. New York will play without star cornerback Revis, a loss the 49ers couldn't be happier about after a less than impressive offensive performance against the Vikings last week, as San Fran looks to cut down on their turnover numbers from last week. This game will be put on the shoulders of Sanchez, and I don't see him rising up to the challenge.
Prediction: 49ers 21, Jets 13
Sam's take:
The Jets are hurting without Revis, but they still feel they can put points up against one of the strongest defenses in the league to make up for it. We saw what their offense is capable of in Week 1 and flashes of it since, though there has been more bad than good. It will be important for the Jets to get into a first-quarter rhythm and avoid an early deficit.
Prediction: Jets 31, 49ers 30
